Circuit-controlled program switch having selective signal-transfer circuits

ABSTRACT

A two-dimensional-timer-controlled program switch wherein timing signals are transmitted to utilization circuits through selective signal-transfer circuits, each of which includes timing selectors, at least a channel selector and a signal transfer device coupling the selectors to an output utilization means. The signal transfer device, which has its input terminals and output terminals electrically isolated from each other but also provides a signal transfer path therebetween, couples timing signals generated by a pair of cyclically operable switches which preferably take the form of stepping switches, to an output utilization device in accordance with the settings of the various selectors of the selective signal-transfer circuits.

7i] Inventor:

United States Patent Kratomi 54] CIRCUIT-CONTRQLLEI) P swrrcn HAVING S LECTIVE elQNPfTM Y FE PFB Sliunsei 143mm, 456 Maegawa, Tachibana-machi, Japan [22] Filed: July 7, 1970 [2i] Appl. No.: 52,969

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data July 29, 1969 Japan ..44/59375 52] US. Cl "307/41, 307/141.4, 317/139 [51] Int. Cl. .HOZJ 3/00 [58] FieldofSearch ..307/38, 39,40,41, 141.4; I 3 1 7/ l 39 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,205,368 9/1965 Miracle .Q ..s07/41 x 2,881,832 4/1959 Leonard ..307/41 1 Feb. 22,1972

Primary Examiner-J. V. Truhe Assistant Examiner-Hugh D. Jaeger Attorney-Flynn & Frishauf [57] ABSTRACT A two-dimensional-timer-controlled program switch wherein timing signals are transmitted to utilization circuits through selective signal-transfer circuits, each of which includes timing selectors, at least a channel selector and a signal transfer device coupling the selectors to an output utilization means. The signal transfer device, which has its input terminals and output terminals electrically isolated from each other but also provides a signal transfer path therebetween, couples timing signals generated by a pair of cyclically operable switches which preferably take the form of stepping switches, to an output utilization device in accordance with the settings of the various selectors of the selective signal-transfer circuits.

15 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEB22 1912 SHEET a [1F 5 o o o o o o o 0 RECORD IVDNITOR RECORD MONITOR RECCPD MONITOR RECOQD ONIT I 29 OFF OFF OFF 28 CHANNEL CHANNEL CHANNEL CHANNEL PAIENTEBFEB22 m2 3, e44. 746

SHEET 5 OF 5 AND-CIRCUIT-CONTROLLED PROGRAM SWITCH HAVING SELECTIVE SIGNAL-TRANSF ER CIRCUITS BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a program switch which controls electrical signals for application to utilization circuits at predetermined times, as set beforehand, in conformity with a specific program.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an AND- circuit-controlled program switch having a simplified physical structure, while providing high operational reliability, simplicity and easiness in program setting procedure, flexibility in designing apparatus and adaptability to various types of control programs.

Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, the AND- circuit-controlled program switch consists of two principal sections; one is a timing signal generating section utilizing a pair of cyclically operable stepping-type switching means arranged to operate in cascade fashion, and the other is a program setting section utilizing a plurality of selective signaltransfer circuits, each comprising a signal transfer device, at least two units of selective switches or timing selectors for predetermining a point of time for energizing, and at least one selective switch or channel selector for selecting a control channel. Each of the signal transfer devices forms an AND- circuit in cooperation with the cascaded stepping switches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 shows the programming board incorporated with said programmatic controller; and

FIG. shows an embodiment of a programmatic power-tap controller for general purpose in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1: A primary stepping switch or primary clock switch (1) has a plurality ofswitching elements Sm(m=l to 6 in FIG. 1). These switching elements Sm close one after the other in an orderly fashion and cyclically, stepping forward at a constant interval of time.

A secondary stepping switch or secondary clock switch (2) has a plurality of switching elements Sn (n=l to 4 in FIG. 1). These switching elements Sn close one after the other in an orderly fashion, and cyclically if desired, stepping forward at each time when the primary clock switch completes a cycle of operation.

Every switching element of the primary clock switch (1) is connected to a terminal X, and every switching element of the secondary clock switch (2) is connected to a terminal X, as shown in FIG. 1.

The primary clock switch, the secondary clock switch and the termins X and X constitute a timing signal generating section.

A primary timing selector (3) has as many selective contacts as the number of the switching elements in the primary clock switch (1). The primary timing selector (3) shown in FIG. 1 has six selective contacts which are connected respectively to the switching elements Sm of the primary clock switch (1). A secondary timing selector (4) has as many selective contacts as the number of the switching elements in the secondary clock switch (2). The secondary timing selector (4) shown in FIG. 1 has four selective contacts which are connected respectively to the switching elements Sn of the secondary clock switch (2).

A signal transfer device (5) has four terminals-two at the primary side and two at the secondary side. The principal function of this component is to form, across the timing signal generating section, a closed current loop which is electrically isolated from timing signal receiving circuits or utilization circuits, while at the same time to transmit a timing signal from the said closed current loop to one of the utilization circuits.

A channel selector (6) has a plurality of selective contacts. The channel selector (6) of FIG. 1 has five selective contacts. Each selective contact of the channel selector 6) is connected respectively to a control channel or link Ci(i =1, 2, 5 in FIG. 1), which control lines lead further to a utilization circuit.

In FIG. 1, the primary timing selector (3), the secondary timing selector (4), the signal transfer device (5) and the channel selector (6) constitute a selective signal-transfer circuit. Three of the selective signal-transfer circuits are shown in FIG. 1. The number of selective signal-transfer circuits to be provided in a system may be determined according to types of control programs to be applied.

Conventional rotary switches may be used for said selectors as shown in the accompanying diagrams. However, this invention is not limited to the illustrated types of selectors.

The signal transfer device (5) may be, for example, one among the following devices:

1. An induction coupler (i.e., a transformer-type device comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding, electrically insulated from each other, and a magnetic circuit interlinked with both the windings.

2. An electromagnetic relay.

. A photoelectric coupler comprising an electrical illuminant, a photo sensitive switch and a light-shield case. The first two components are contained in the light-shield case and are closely positioned in such a way that the formers lighting surface faces the latters photosensitive surface.

4. An electromagnetic coupler comprising an electromagnet, a magnetosensitive semiconductor switch of which the electric resistance is changed significantly by a magnetic field, and a magnetic shield case. The first two components are contained in the magnetic shield case and are positioned in such a way that the former effectively controls the electric resistance of the latter.

The operating principle and the basic structure of the induction coupler are the same as those of an ordinary transformer. However, because its principal function is not to transform voltage but to isolate the primary circuit from the secondary circuit, the turns ratio for the primary winding and the secondary winding may be 1:1. However, as is apparent, the turns ratio is not limited to 1:1.

When using an electromagnetic relay as a signal transfer device (5), a timing signal is delivered to the coil winding through a pair of input terminals, and the timing signal is provided via the relay contacts through a pair of output terminals. For example, a relay having either a normally open contact or a normally closed contact can be used for the signal transfer device. The type of relay contact used may be determined in accordance with the requirements of the circuits to be controlled.

As for the photoelectric coupler, the electrical illuminant is required to emit light of which the emission spectrum corresponds to the photoelectric sensitivity spectrum of the photosensitive switch. The electrical illuminant is desired to be small in size and to consume little power, thereby minimizing heat generated. In view of the above requirements, tungstem-filament lamps, neon glow lamps and illuminant diodes, for example, may be used for the purpose.

The photosensitive switch has a photoelectric sensor that converts light into electrical energy or that changes its electrical property such as conductivity significantly when it receives light. For instance, a photocell, photoconductive semiconductor or phototransistor may be used for the sensor.

In case of using a photoelectric coupler as a signal transfer device a timing signal is delivered to the electrical illuminant through a pair of input terminals, and the timing signal is provided out of the photo sensitive switch through a pair of output terminals. In case of using an'electromagnetic coupler as a signal transfer device, a timing signal is delivered to the electromagnet through a pair of input terminals, and the timing signal is provided out of the magnetosensitive semiconductor switch through a pair of output terminals.

It should be clear that the present invention is not limited to the types or construction of signal transfer devices described above. Other equivalently functioning elements may be used.

The general constitution of the electrical circuit of the program switch of the present invention is described below, referring to FIG. I.

The terminals X-X' are connected to a power source. As an exception, the terminal X-X may be short-circuited instead, as shown in FIG. 5, when induction couplers are employed as the signal transfer devices (5) and when the circuit characteristics at the output side of the signal transfer device permit it.

The primary timing selectors (3) are connected in parallel to the primary clock switch (1) that is further connected to the terminal X. The secondary timing selectors (4) are connected in parallel to the secondary clock switch (2) that is further connected to the terminal X'.

One of the input terminals of each signal transfer device (5) is connected to a respective common terminal of a primary timing selector (3) and the other input terminal of each transfer device (5) is connected to respective common terminal of a secondary timing selector (4). One of the output terminals of each signal transfer device (5) is connected to a respective common terminal ofa channel selector (6) and the other output terminal of each signal transfer device (5) is connected to the common bus E for the control channels or lines. The selective contacts of every channel selector (6) are connected respectively to the control channel buses, C, to C in FIG. 1, one by one.

In the case where there is no common bus E for the control channels and where each control channel consists of a pair of buses, double-circuited rotary switches or twin-type rotary switches, in which a pair of travelling contacts rotate simultaneously, may be used as the channel selectors, and the output terminals of the signaltransfer devices are connected to a pair of the common terminals of such channel selector. Each pair of the selective contacts of such channel selectors is connected respectively to pairs of buses for the control channels.

It may possibly happen in a program switch of the present invention, if signal transfer devices (5) are provided in excess of a certain number, that many current loops are formed in the timing signal input circuit for the signal transfer devices, each loop making a detour via three of the signal transfer devices. The detour currents may accumulate (e.g., add together) in a signal transfer device to reach such a large value that the particular signal transfer device is inadvertently operated, thus producing an error.

This potential trouble may be effectively eliminated by connecting respective diodes (14) with uniform polarity in one of the signal input lines of each signal transfer device as shown in FIG. 2.

. in the case of using induction couplers as the signal transfer devices, the terminal X-X may be short-circuited and the power source V-V in thecontrol channel side may supply signal current as shown in FIG. 5, so that the power loss in the induction couplers due to the diodes (36) is minimized.

In another case of using induction couplers as the signal transfer devices, one of the induction couplers may transfer a wrong signal that comes through a spurious loop formed with at least three of the induction couplers together, even if the total number of induction couplers is relatively small, depending on the type of program being used. If only the potential mal-operation due to this cause is problematic, this potential problem is effectively solved by connecting respective diodes with uniform polarity in one of the output lead wires of each induction coupler and to supply the signal power from the terminals X-X'.

How to set a program on the program switch of the present invention is described below, referring to FIG. 1.

Assuming that the primary clock switch (1) steps forward at ten minute intervals, then the period of an operating cycle of the primary clock switch (1) is one hour; and assuming-that the secondary clock switch (2) steps forward at one hour in tervals, then the period of an operating cycle thereof is four hours. Assuming rotary switches to be employed for the primary timing selectors (3) and the secondary timing selectors (4), the fixed contacts of each selector are connected respectively to the switching elements of the clock switches, and thus each one of the fixed contacts in a selector makes one to one correspondence with divisions of time when the switching elements of the clock switches close. Numbers to indicate divisions of time in a specific correspondence may be put on the dials of the selectors as exemplified in FIG. 4. For instance, divisions of time in ten minute intervals may be marked on the dials of the primary timing selectors (3), and divisions of time in one hour intervals may be marked on the dials of the secondary timing selectors (4). Therefore, to set channel selectors (6) to desired control channels and to set both primary timing selectors (3) and secondary timing selectors (4) to desired divisions of time are all that is needed to effect the program setting.

For example, when the movable contacts of the selectors (3,4 and 6) in FIG. 1 are placed in the illustrated positions, the following program is achieved:

1. Control channel C receives a signal when switching elements 5, and 8' close simultaneously.

2. Control channel C receives a signal when switching elements S and S' close simultaneously.

3. Control channel C receives a signal when switching elements 5., and S., close simultaneously.

The program switch of the present invention may be utilized in a programmatic broadcast receiver and/or recorder controller that automatically energizes and deenergizes a broadcast receiving and/or recording system, and selects broadcast channels in a predetermined manner. An embodiment of the programmatic broadcast receiver and/or recorder controller is described below, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 together. The circuit in FIG. 2 is connected to the circuit in FIG. 3 through the lines A B A B A and B The primary clock switch (7) steps forward at 5 minute intervals and the secondary clock switch (8) steps forward at one hour intervals. The period of an operating cycle of the secondary clock switch (8) is twelve hours. Rotary switches may be used for the primary timing selectors (9) and doublecircuited rotary switches may be used for the secondary timing selectors (10). The A.M.-P.M. selectors (12) in cooperation with the automatic A.M.-P.M. changeover contacts (11) and the secondary timing selector (10) make the period of an operating cycle of the total system 24 hours.

(13) denotes a relay used as the signal transfer device and (14) denotes a diode. The relay (13) has a normally open contact. (15) also denotes a diode, (16) denotes an OFF-MONI- TORING-RECORDING selector and (17) denotes a broadcast channel selector. The moving contact of a rotary switch (18) is driven by a motor (41 (l9) denotes a diode and (20) denotes an AUTO-MANUAL-OFF selector. Three units of the AUTO-MANUAL-OFF selectors are linked together to make identical selections. (21) denotes a broadcast receiver, (22) denotes a rotary tuner as a component of the receiver and (23) denotes transmission cable for coupling audio/video signals from the receiver to a recorder (24). The rotary switch (18) and the tuner (22) are linked together to rotate in synchronizm or to take identical angular positions. PB denotes a push button for selecting broadcast channels manually.

The following nomenclature is employed inconnection with the diagrams of the drawings: R: relay coil; and r: relay contact. Subscripts: 1"Connecting Relay for the motor (41) and the receiver (21); 2Disconnecting Relay for the motor (41); 3Disconnecting Relay for the receiver (21) and the recorder (24); 4Holding Relay for the receiver; 5"Disconnecting Relay for the recorder; 6"Connecting Relay for the recorder; and 7Holding Relay for the recorder.

FIG. 4 shows the front view of the programming board. (25) denotes dials coupled respectively to the primary timing selectors (9); 26 denotes dials coupled respectively to the secondary timing selectors (27) denotes knobs coupled respectively to the A.M.-P.M. selectors (12); (28) denotes dials couples respectively to the broadcast channel selectors (17); (29) denotes knobs couples respectively to the OFF-MONITOR- ING-RECORDING selectors (16); (30) denotes pilot lamps to indicate Monitoring" and (31) denotes pilot lamps to indicate Recording.

In the program switch of the present invention, a signal generated in the timing signal generating section lasts only for the period equal to the stepping time interval of the primary clock switch. Hence, in case of applying this program switch to controlling utilization circuits in an ON-OFF mode, it is necessary to provide an auxiliary circuit for holding the connection of the utilization circuits to the power source. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a programmatic power-tap controller for general services in combination with the program switch. The operation of the holding circuit is described below.

(32) denotes the primary clock switch; (33) denotes the secondary clock switch; (34) denotes a primary timing selector; (35) denotes a secondary timing selector; (36) denotes a diode and (37) denotes a signal transfer device. Induction couplers are employed as the signal transfer devices in the embodiment of FIG. 5. (38) denotes an ON-OFF selector; (39) denotes a control channel selector for which a twin-type rotary switch may be employed, and (40) denotes a plug socket to which the power input cord of a utilization circuit is plugged in.

The following nomenclature is employed in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 5: R: relay coil; and r: relay contact. Subscripts 11, 12 and 13"Connecting Relays; 21," 22 and 23Disconnecting Relays; and 31, 32 and 33" Holding Relays.

The moving contacts of the selectors (34, 35, 38 and 39) in FIG. 5 are placed in the illustrated positions to provide the following program: 1

l. The plug socket associated with R is connected to the power source V-V' when the switching elements S and 8' close simultaneously.

2. The plug socket associated with R is connected to the ower source V-V' when the switching elements 3;, and S close simultaneously.

3. The plug socket associated with R is connected to the power source VV when the switching elements S and S close simultaneously and is disconnected when the switching elements S and S close simultaneously.

It should be clear that the present invention, shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, is not limited to the types of switching elements illustrated and specifically mentioned herein. For example, a portion of, or all, the switching elements may be replaced with contactless or solid state switching elements.

The advantages of the present invention are described below.

Because the program switch of the present invention employs timing switch circuits which are in the nature of twodimensional AND-circuits, the total number of switching elements required in the clock switches is significantly reduced in comparison with a program switch using a one-dimensional timing switch circuit. For instance, 24 units of switching elements are used in the primary and the secondary clock switches for the embodiment of FIG. 2 to make 144 divisions of time, while 144 units of switching elements may be required for a one-dimensional timing switch circuit to provide 144 divisions of time. Also, the number of fixed contacts required for a timing selector is greatly reduced in the program switch of the present invention.

The signal transfer device in cooperation with the selective switches connected at its primary and secondary sides is the novel component that enables the two-dimensional AND-circuit to operate in the program switch of the present invention, which controls a plurality of utilization circuits in various conceivable modes according to a predetermined program. Diodes may be incorporated with the signal transfer devices to eliminate sneak paths and to extend the scope of the feasible program modes to an almost unlimited range.

The program switch of the present inventions has the following advantages from the practical viewpoint:

l. Manipulating dials and/or knobs on the I programming board is all that is required in the program setting procedure. It is simple and no skill or extensive training is required.

2. Designers will find it highly flexible and versatile because the span of a division of time for program setting and the total number of divisions or the period of an operational cycle can be determined independently of each other.

3. The total number of time divisions can be made large enough for practical uses without degrading economy. For example, a program switch having 288 time divisions as shown in FIG. 2 can be manufactured at a reasonable cost.

4. An engaged program can be modified during operation, if

necessary, without causing trouble or mal-functions.

5. Repetitive or cyclic use is easily achieved. If a subsequent program is quite similar to a previous one, a minimum amount of effort is required to modify the program, due to the nondestructive memory mechanism.

6. Neither special components nor precise instruments are required for manufacturing the apparatus of the present invention. Hence, the manufacturing cost is kept reasonably low, and the operational reliability is high, thus requiring minimum attention for maintenance.

In comparison with my prior invention described in U.S. Pt. No. 3,475,747, the present invention has the following advantages:

l. Manipulating dials and/or knobs is easier and is more desirable than handling plug-in type connecting cords.

2. The appearance ofthe programming board is improved.

3. It is easier in the present system to read the engaged program on the setup programming board.

I claim:

I. An AND-circuit-controlled program switch for controlling an output utilization means comprising:

first and second terminals (X, X);

a timing signal generating section including primary and secondary cyclically operable switching means (1, 2), said primary switching means (1) having a plurality of switching elements (S,S which are cyclically and sequentially operated one after the other at first constant time intervals, said secondary switching means (2) having a plurality of switching elements (Sf-S which are cyclically and sequentially operated one after the other at second constant time intervals, said second time intervals each corresponding to the time required for a predetermined number of said switching elements of said primary switching means (1) to be operated; said switching elements (S -S of said primary switching means (1) being coupled to said first terminal (X); and said switching elements (S -S.,') of said secondary switching means (2) being coupled to said second terminal (X and a program setting section coupling said timing signal generating section to said output utilization means, said program setting section including a first set of control buses (C1C5) coupled to said output utilization means; and a (C 1-of selective signal-transfer circuits, each comprising a primary timing selector (3) coupled to said primary switching means (1), a secondary timing selector (4) coupled to said secondary switching means (2); at

least one channel selector (6) coupled to said first set of control buses (C1-C5), and a signal transfer device having a pair of input terminals and a pair of output terminals which are electrically isolated from each other and which are coupled to provide signal. transfer therebetween; one of said input terminals of said signal transfer device (5) being connected to said primary timing selector (3) for coupling said one input terminal to a selected switching element of said primary switching means (1); the other of said input terminals of said signal transfer device (5) being connected to said secondary timing selector (2) for coupling said other input terminal to a selected switching element of said secondary switching manes (2); one of said output terminals of said signal transfer device (5 being connected to said channel selector (6) for coupling said one output terminal to a selected bus of said first set of control buses; and the other of said output terminals of said signal transfer device (5) being coupled to said output utilization means.

2. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second time intervals each correspond to the time required for said primary switching means to complete a cycle of operation.

3. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first set of control channel buses includes a common bus coupled to said output utilization means, and said other output terminal of said signal transfer device (5) is coupled to said common bus.

4. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said selective signal-transfer circuits includes a second channel selector and a second set of control channel buses coupling said second channel selector to said output utilization means, said other output of said signal transfer device being connected to said second channel selector.

5. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said primary and secondary switching means comprise respective stepping switches. t

6. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second terminals (X and X) are connected to a power source.

7., Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second terminals (X and X) are short-circuited together;

8. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said selective signal-transfer circuit further includes a diode (14) coupled in series with an input terminal of said signal-transfer device (5).

9. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal-transfer device is an induction coupler having a primary winding and a secondary winding electrically insulated from each other and a magnetic circuit interlinked with both said windings.

10. Switch as claimed in claim 9, wherein said selective signal-transfer circuit further includes a diode coupled in series with an output terminal of said signaltransfer device.

11. Switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein said signaltransfer device includes an electromagnetic relay having a coil winding and a relay contact, said pair ofinput terminals being connected to said coil winding and said pair of output terminals being connected to said relay contact.

12. Switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein said signaltransfer device is a photoelectric coupler comprising an electrical illuminant, a photosensitive switch and a light-shield case; the electrical illuminant and the photosensitive switch being closely positioned in said light-shield case, such that the lighting surface of said illuminant faces the photosensitive surface of said photosensitive switch, said pair of input terminals being connected to said electrical illuminant and said pair of output terminals being connected to said photosensitive switch.

13. Switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein said signaltransfer device is an electromagnetic coupler comprising an electromagnet, a magnetosensitive semiconductor switch of which the electric resistance changes significantly in accordance with the intensity of a magnetic field, and a magnetic shield case; the electromagnet and the magnetism-sensitive semiconductor switch being positioned in said magnetic shield case such that the electromagnet is magnetically in communication with, and effectively controls the electri c resistance of said magnetosensittve semiconductor switch, said pair of input terminals being connected to said electromagnet and said pair of output terminals connected to said magnetosensitive semiconductor switch.

14. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said program setting section includes a holding circuit comprising 'a set of power inlet buses coupled to a source of power; a plurality of power outlet sockets to receive separable plugs from said utilization means; a plurality of connecting relays having normally open contacts; a plurality of disconnecting relays having normally closed contacts, each being associated with a respective connecting relay, the coils of said connecting relays and of said disconnecting relays being connected to and actuated by signals from said selective signal-transfer circuits; and a plurality of holding relays associated with respective connecting and disconnecting relays, said holding relays having'normally open contacts coupled to said power inlet buses and being energized by said power source upon excitation of a respective connecting relay to hold a connection from said power source to a power outlet, said connection being disconnected upon excitation of the respective disconnecting relay by its respective selective signal-transfer circuit.

15. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said output utilization means is a programmatic broadcast receiver/recorder controller, said control buses are broadcast channel buses and said program setting section comprises a plurality of broadcast channel selectors (17) comprised by a respective plurality of rotary switches, each respectively corresponding to one of said selective signal-transfer circuits, each rotary switch having a travelling contact coupled to one of said output terminals of its respective signal transfer device; a plurality of OFF-MONITORING-RECORDING selectors (16) coupling the travelling contact of a respective rotary switch to said signal transfer device,-each OFF-MONITOR- ING-RECORDING selector (16) having fixed contacts coupled to said broadcast channel buses respectively; a driving motor (41), a motor driven rotary switch (l8) coupled to said motor (41) and having its travelling contact driven in synchronism with the rotary tuner of said broadcast receiver, and having fixed contacts thereof connected to said broadcast channel buses respectively; a motor connecting relay for selectively coupling said driving motor and said broadcast receiver to power sources responsive to a signal indicating the beginning of an operation being applied to a fixed contact of said motor driven rotary switch; a'motor disconnecting relay for selectively disconnecting said driving motor from said power sources when the travelling contact of said motor driven rotary switch comes in contact with said fixed contact receiving said signal; a recorder connecting relay for selectively connecting the associated broadcast recorder to a power source as determined by said program switch; a receiver disconnecting relay for selectively disconnecting said receiver and said recorder as determined by said program switch; a recorder disconnecting relay for selectively disconnecting said recorder as determined by said program switch; a holding relay for maintaining said power supply coupled to said receiver until said receiver disconnecting relay is actuated; and a recorder holding relay maintaining said power supply coupled to said recorder until at least one'of said receiver and recorder disconnecting relays are actuated. 

1. An AND-circuit-controlled program switch for controlling an output utilization means comprising: first and second terminals (X, X''); a timing signal generating section including primary and secondary cyclically operable switching means (1, 2), said primary switching means (1) having a plurality of switching elements (S1-S6) which are cyclically and sequentially operated one after the other at first constant time intervals, said secondary switching means (2) having a plurality of switching elements (S1''-S4'') which are cyclically and sequentially operated one after the other at second constant time intervals, said second time intervals each corresponding to the time required for a predetermined number of said switching elements of said primary switching means (1) to be operated; said switching elements (S1-S6) of said primary switching means (1) being coupled to said first terminal (X); and said switching elements (S1''-S4'') of said secondary switching means (2) being coupled to said second terminal (X''); and a program setting section coupling said timing signal generating section to said output utilization means, said program setting section including a first set of control buses (C1-C5) coupled to said output utilization means; and a (C1-of selective signal-transfer circuits, each comprising a primary timing selector (3) coupled to said primary switching means (1), a secondary timing selector (4) coupled to said secondary switching means (2); at least one channel selector (6) coupled to said first set of control buses (C1-C5), and a signal transfer device (5) having a pair of input terminals and a pair of output terminals which are electrically isolated from each other and which are coupled to provide signal transfer therebetween; one of said input terminals of said signal transfer device (5) being connected to said primary timing selector (3) for coupling said one input terminal to a selected switching element of said primary switching means (1); the other of said input terminals of said signal transfer device (5) being connected to said secondary timing selector (2) for coupling said other input terminal to a selected switching element of said secondary switching manes (2); one of said output terminals of said signal transfer device (5) being connected to said channel selector (6) for coupling said one output terminal to a selected bus of said first set of control buses; and the other of said output terminals of said signal transfer device (5) being coupled to said output utilization means.
 2. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second time intervals each correspond to the time required for said primary switching means to complete a cycle of operation.
 3. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first set of control channel buses includes a common bus coupled to said output utilization means, and said other output terminal of said signal transfer device (5) is coupled to said common bus.
 4. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said selective signal-transfer circuits includes a second channel selector and a second set of control channel buses coupling said second channel selector to said output utilization means, said other output of said signal transfer device being connected to said second channel selector.
 5. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said primary and secondary sWitching means comprise respective stepping switches.
 6. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second terminals (X and X'') are connected to a power source.
 7. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second terminals (X and X'') are short-circuited together.
 8. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said selective signal-transfer circuit further includes a diode (14) coupled in series with an input terminal of said signal-transfer device (5).
 9. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal-transfer device is an induction coupler having a primary winding and a secondary winding electrically insulated from each other and a magnetic circuit interlinked with both said windings.
 10. Switch as claimed in claim 9, wherein said selective signal-transfer circuit further includes a diode coupled in series with an output terminal of said signal-transfer device.
 11. Switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein said signal-transfer device includes an electromagnetic relay having a coil winding and a relay contact, said pair of input terminals being connected to said coil winding and said pair of output terminals being connected to said relay contact.
 12. Switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein said signal-transfer device is a photoelectric coupler comprising an electrical illuminant, a photosensitive switch and a light-shield case; the electrical illuminant and the photosensitive switch being closely positioned in said light-shield case, such that the lighting surface of said illuminant faces the photosensitive surface of said photosensitive switch, said pair of input terminals being connected to said electrical illuminant and said pair of output terminals being connected to said photosensitive switch.
 13. Switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein said signal-transfer device is an electromagnetic coupler comprising an electromagnet, a magnetosensitive semiconductor switch of which the electric resistance changes significantly in accordance with the intensity of a magnetic field, and a magnetic shield case; the electromagnet and the magnetism-sensitive semiconductor switch being positioned in said magnetic shield case such that the electromagnet is magnetically in communication with, and effectively controls the electric resistance of said magnetosensitive semiconductor switch, said pair of input terminals being connected to said electromagnet and said pair of output terminals connected to said magnetosensitive semiconductor switch.
 14. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said program setting section includes a holding circuit comprising a set of power inlet buses coupled to a source of power; a plurality of power outlet sockets to receive separable plugs from said utilization means; a plurality of connecting relays having normally open contacts; a plurality of disconnecting relays having normally closed contacts, each being associated with a respective connecting relay, the coils of said connecting relays and of said disconnecting relays being connected to and actuated by signals from said selective signal-transfer circuits; and a plurality of holding relays associated with respective connecting and disconnecting relays, said holding relays having normally open contacts coupled to said power inlet buses and being energized by said power source upon excitation of a respective connecting relay to hold a connection from said power source to a power outlet, said connection being disconnected upon excitation of the respective disconnecting relay by its respective selective signal-transfer circuit.
 15. Switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said output utilization means is a programmatic broadcast receiver/recorder controller, said control buses are broadcast channel buses and said program setting section comprises a plurality of broadcast channel selectors (17) comprised by a respective plurality of rotary switches, each respectively corresponding to one of said selective signal-transfer circuits, each rotary switch having a travelLing contact coupled to one of said output terminals of its respective signal transfer device; a plurality of OFF-MONITORING-RECORDING selectors (16) coupling the travelling contact of a respective rotary switch to said signal transfer device, each OFF-MONITORING-RECORDING selector (16) having fixed contacts coupled to said broadcast channel buses respectively; a driving motor (41), a motor driven rotary switch (18) coupled to said motor (41) and having its travelling contact driven in synchronism with the rotary tuner of said broadcast receiver, and having fixed contacts thereof connected to said broadcast channel buses respectively; a motor connecting relay for selectively coupling said driving motor and said broadcast receiver to power sources responsive to a signal indicating the beginning of an operation being applied to a fixed contact of said motor driven rotary switch; a motor disconnecting relay for selectively disconnecting said driving motor from said power sources when the travelling contact of said motor driven rotary switch comes in contact with said fixed contact receiving said signal; a recorder connecting relay for selectively connecting the associated broadcast recorder to a power source as determined by said program switch; a receiver disconnecting relay for selectively disconnecting said receiver and said recorder as determined by said program switch; a recorder disconnecting relay for selectively disconnecting said recorder as determined by said program switch; a holding relay for maintaining said power supply coupled to said receiver until said receiver disconnecting relay is actuated; and a recorder holding relay maintaining said power supply coupled to said recorder until at least one of said receiver and recorder disconnecting relays are actuated. 